From wheelchair to 20km!

Created on 30/01/2018 @ 09:54

An incredible story of achievement will hopefully reach an inspirational climax on Wednesday when one woman’s bid to not only walk again, but to complete a seemingly impossible target will be achieved.

Laura Wilkin’s recent journey has been incredible. A brain tumour followed by further serious health issues left the former Morrisons worker in a wheelchair. But towards the end of last year she took her first tentative steps into a rehabilitation programme to literally get her back on her feet and mobile again.

On Wednesday, the determined 37-year-old will take her final steps at the Flash towards completing an incredible 20kms target that was set by her instructor Lorraine Lloyd. And she is hoping that her effort will be applauded by the townsfolk financially to raise money for more people in her position.

“Since September, I have been attending The National Exercise Referral Scheme at the Flash. This has helped me following the numerous treatments and operations I have had the previous years,” said Laura.

“As my walking is getting better and I am spending more time out of my wheelchair I was challenged by my instructor Lorraine Lloyd to walk 15kms throughout January. This is a big challenge for me and I am hoping to raise a small amount of money to donate to the two centres that have provided my treatment, one being the Lingen Davies Unit and the other The Neurological Unit in Stoke.”

Lorraine said that Laura’s efforts this month have been truly inspirational. Originally she set her a target of 10km on the treadmill, which then “sneakily upped to 15km”, but now we can reveal that she is set to smash an amazing 20km.

“She was so determined that I thought 10km would be too easy!” said Lorraine.

“She joined The National Exercise Referral Scheme at the Flash just over 16 weeks ago. On that first day Laura’s challenge was to walk for one minute on the treadmill. This was a terrifying ordeal for her, but with me right behind her she did it.

“She has attended the gym twice a week now and got stronger and stronger, building in confidence and lighting up the gym with her beaming smile and lots of laughter with her new found gym buddies.

“But unknown to Laura (until now) she has already completed her challenge of walking the 15k on the treadmill during January, and now she’s looking to do 20km!

“Through shear grit and determination, pain, laughter and tears she has given it her all, she is much much stronger now, more confident in herself and in her ability to do things herself.”

Laura’s incredible bid to reach 20km will take place at The Flash tomorrow (Wednesday) when she will leave the treadmill behind and walk the final 500m as laps of the hall with supporters invited to join her.

There will be coffee, tea, cakes and a raffle from 11.30am followed by the walk from noon.